Italian Sunday Dinner Recipes
Gather your loved ones and enjoy the heartwarming tradition of an Italian Sunday dinner.
From rich, flavorful pasta dishes topped with savory sauce to crusty bread, fresh salads, and perfectly seasoned meats, this meal is all about bringing family together around the table to share love and laughter.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want to indulge in comforting flavors, we’ve got you covered with the best traditional Italian dishes.
Don’t forget to explore our quick and easy dinner recipes for even more inspiration to keep the whole family satisfied!
What is an Italian Sunday Dinner?
This meal is centered around family and food. It typically features a multi-course meal with hearty, homemade dishes. This meal isn’t just about eating; it’s about slowing down and enjoying those around you. It often includes comforting classics like pasta, different types of meat, salads, and freshly baked bread, all served with love and care.
What is a Traditional Italian Sunday Dinner?
- Antipasto – A variety of appetizers, such as cured meats, cheeses, olives, and bruschetta.
- Primo (First Course) – A pasta dish, risotto, or soup, often featuring rich sauces or seasonal ingredients.
- Secondo (Main Course) – Roasted or braised meats like beef, lamb, or chicken, accompanied by sides of roasted vegetables.
- Contorno (Side Dish) – Simple salads or cooked greens to complement the main dish.
- Dolce (Dessert) – Traditional Italian dessert recipes such as Tiramisu, cannoli, or panna cotta are popular sweet endings.
- Coffee and Digestivo – Espresso or liqueurs like limoncello to round off the meal.
What time is Italian Sunday dinner?
Typically the meal begins in the early afternoon, around 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, depending on the family and its traditions. It’s often a leisurely event, stretching over several hours. The midday start allows time to relax and digest while still leaving the evening open for family time or light snacks.
Craving a delicious, hearty meal?
- Try these pasta recipes that are perfect for any occasion or make your holiday meals extra special with these Christmas pasta recipes!
- These gift ideas for pasta lovers are sure to delight any foodie on your list!
Nothing brings people together quite like Italian Sunday dinners, and these delicious recipes are the perfect pairings to make your table feel extra special.
- Warm up your evenings with these cozy soup recipes that are perfect for chilly nights. Grab a bowl and dive into ultimate comfort food!
- Hosting a party? These perfect finger food recipes are guaranteed to be a hit. Make your gathering unforgettable with these easy crowd-pleasers!
- Take your dishes to the next level by using fresh herbs with your Italian recipes. Discover tips and recipes to bring authentic flavors straight to your kitchen.
- Turn simple veggies into something extraordinary! These roasted fresh vegetable recipes are bursting with flavor and so easy to make—try them tonight!
- Looking for a hearty dinner idea? These ground beef casseroles are comfort food at its best. Whip one up for a meal the whole family will love!
Main Dishes
1
Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Crispy breaded chicken smothered in marinara and gooey mozzarella makes this chicken Parmesan recipe a comfort food favorite. Pair it with pasta or a fresh salad for a classic Italian dinner everyone will love.
Check out this recipe
2
www.billyparisi.com
Beef Braciole Recipe
Tender beef rolls stuffed with herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs simmer in a rich tomato sauce in this traditional beef braciole recipe. It’s an impressive Italian Sunday dinner centerpiece.
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3
cafedelites.com
Osso Bucco in Red Wine Salsa with Soft Polenta
This osso buco braised in red wine salsa is melt-in-your-mouth tender and served over soft polenta. It’s the kind of Italian dinner that feels special yet comforting.
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4
thestayathomechef.com
Baked Eggplant Parmesan
Layers of breaded eggplant, marinara, and gooey cheese make baked eggplant Parmesan a lighter spin on the Italian classic. It’s a hearty vegetarian dish that still feels indulgent.
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5
www.spendwithpennies.com
Shrimp Scampi
Juicy shrimp tossed in garlic, butter, and lemon sauce make shrimp scampi a restaurant-worthy meal at home. Serve it over pasta or with crusty bread to soak up every drop.
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6
iwashyoudry.com
Easy Chicken Marsala Recipe
This chicken Marsala recipe features pan-seared chicken simmered in a rich mushroom and Marsala wine sauce. It’s elegant enough for guests but easy enough for weeknights.
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7
www.sipandfeast.com
Risotto alla Milanese
Risotto alla Milanese is creamy, rich, and flavored with saffron for that signature golden hue. It’s a comforting Italian side that pairs beautifully with meat or seafood.
Check out this recipe
8
theforkedspoon.com
Meatball Recipe
Tender, juicy Italian meatballs simmered in marinara are a family dinner classic. Serve them with spaghetti, on subs, or as part of a Sunday feast.
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9
littlesunnykitchen.com
Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
Chicken cacciatore is braised with tomatoes, peppers, and herbs until fall-apart tender. This rustic Italian dish is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for Sunday dinner.
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10
www.acedarspoon.com
Italian Sausage Pasta Bake
This pasta bake combines savory Italian sausage, marinara, and plenty of cheese for a family-friendly favorite. It’s hearty, bubbly, and perfect for weeknights.
Check out this recipe
11
www.throughthefibrofog.com
Italian Herb Chicken
Juicy chicken breasts are seasoned with Italian herbs and roasted until golden. It’s a simple, flavorful main dish that pairs with just about any side.
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Appetizers & Starters
12
littleferrarokitchen.com
Baked Clams Casino
Baked clams casino are topped with buttery breadcrumbs, herbs, and crispy bacon. This Italian-American favorite makes a delicious appetizer for any seafood lover.
Check out this recipe
13
www.fromachefskitchen.com
Lemon Parmesan Stuffed Artichoke Bottoms
These stuffed artichoke bottoms with lemon and Parmesan are an elegant appetizer with bright, fresh flavor. They’re simple to make but impressive on the table.
Check out this recipe
14
Viral TikTok Air Fryer Pasta Chips
These viral TikTok air fryer pasta chips are the ultimate crunchy snack with an Italian twist. Perfect for dipping in marinara or pesto, they’re quick, fun, and totally addictive.
Check out this recipe
15
www.herwholesomekitchen.com
Antipasto Salad Recipe
Loaded with meats, cheeses, olives, and a zesty homemade Italian dressing, this antipasto salad is a meal in itself. It’s fresh, bold, and perfect for any Italian spread.
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16
anaffairfromtheheart.com
Arancini – Three Cheese Fried Risotto Balls
Golden fried arancini are crispy on the outside with a gooey three-cheese center. They’re the ultimate Italian appetizer or snack.
Check out this recipe
17
bellyfull.net
Homemade Giardiniera {Pickled Vegetables}
Giardiniera is a tangy mix of pickled vegetables that adds crunch and zest to any Italian meal. It’s easy to make at home and keeps beautifully in the fridge.
Check out this recipe
Soups
18
Traditional Minestrone Soup Recipe
A big pot of minestrone soup filled with fresh vegetables, beans, and pasta is Italian comfort food at its best. It’s hearty, healthy, and perfect for cozy family dinners.
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19
Instant Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
This Instant Pot chicken gnocchi soup comes together in 30 minutes or less, making it a cozy weeknight win. Creamy, hearty, and loaded with tender gnocchi, it’s a bowl of pure comfort.
Check out this recipe
20
mariasmixingbowl.com
Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup
This chicken tortellini soup is rich, creamy, and loaded with tender chicken and cheesy pasta. It’s the perfect recipe for a chilly night when you need comfort in a bowl.
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Pasta & Pizza
21
Pink Sauce Pasta
This pink sauce pasta recipe blends Alfredo and three cheese marinara for a rich, cozy meal that’s simple to make and perfect for family dinners.
Check out this recipe
22
Instant Pot Spaghetti Recipe
Whip up spaghetti night the easy way with this Instant Pot recipe that cooks pasta and sauce all in one pot. It’s quick, mess-free, and packed with classic Italian flavor.
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23
iwashyoudry.com
Classic Lasagna Recipe
Layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted cheese make this classic lasagna recipe a true Italian comfort food. It’s the perfect make-ahead dinner for family gatherings.
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24
brooklynactivemama.com
Easy Instant Pot Cacio E Pepe Pasta Recipe
Creamy, peppery, and ready in minutes, this Instant Pot cacio e pepe is a simplified twist on the Roman classic. It’s pure cheesy comfort with minimal effort.
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25
crayonsandcravings.com
Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake [with Bacon!]
Creamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and smoky bacon come together in this cheesy pasta bake. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing casserole.
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26
cinnamonandsageco.com
Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Tortellini
Creamy Tuscan chicken meets cheesy tortellini in this slow cooker favorite. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it recipe that turns out rich, flavorful, and family-friendly.
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Desserts
27
www.insidetherustickitchen.com
Crostata di Frutta (Italian Fruit Tart)
This Italian fruit tart has a buttery crust, creamy pastry filling, and colorful fresh fruit on top. It’s as stunning as it is delicious, perfect for any celebration.
Check out this recipe
28
www.insidetherustickitchen.com
Bomboloni – Italian Doughnuts
Light, fluffy bomboloni are Italian doughnuts filled with pastry cream or jam and dusted with sugar. They’re an irresistible sweet treat for breakfast or dessert.
Check out this recipe
29
sugarspunrun.com
Biscotti
Twice-baked biscotti are crunchy Italian cookies perfect for dipping in coffee or wine. With endless flavor variations, they’re a versatile treat for any occasion.
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30
bellyfull.net
Easy Tiramisu Recipe
Layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone, and cocoa powder make this tiramisu recipe a timeless favorite. It’s surprisingly simple to put together and always a hit.
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31
sugarspunrun.com
Cannoli
Cannoli are crispy pastry shells filled with sweet ricotta cream and chocolate chips. This iconic Italian dessert is a must-have for any celebration.
Check out this recipe
32
www.askchefdennis.com
Italian Ricotta Cheesecake with Berries
Ricotta cheesecake is lighter than the classic New York version, with a creamy texture and subtle sweetness. Topped with fresh berries, it’s the perfect Italian dessert.
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